Absentee Ballot Amendment Likely Rejected

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HARTFORD – Chances were dimming early Wednesday for voter approval of an amendment to the state constitution designed to clear the way for the General Assembly to make significant changes in how people can vote in this state.

With 60 percent of the ballots counted at half past midnight, votes against the amendment outnumbered yes votes by more than 30,000.

The amendment would remove certain restrictions in Connecticut's state constitution that have prevented changes like "early voting" and "no-excuse" absentee ballots – reforms that numerous other states have already approved.

Passage of the amendment would allow legislative action on those types of0 voting reforms.

The Democrats who control the General Assembly argue such changes would make it easier for more people to vote, and insist greater participation is essential for the election process.

Tuesday's elections saw problems with late openings at several Hartford polling places, circumstances that prompted a state judge to keep two polls open an extra half hour to give people more time to cast their ballots. There were also reports of long waits for voters in New Haven. It's these types of voting issues that Democrats say could be resolved by early voting and easier absentee ballot systems.

But Republicans have warned for years that easing Connecticut's existing voting restrictions could lead to more election fraud and political shenanigans.

Political scientists say those partisan viewpoints are natural given the fact that such voting reforms tend to help Democrats and hurt Republicans.

Currently in Connecticut, polls are only open for voting on Election Day. To get an absentee ballot, a voter must specifically notify election officials that he or she will be out of the state on Election Day or physically incapable of getting to the polls.

At least 33 other states already allow some form of "early voting," such as opening polling places on the weekend before Election Day. Reform advocates say many blue-collar people find it easier to get to the polls on a Saturday or Sunday than they do on a Tuesday when they have to work.

So-called "no excuse" absentee ballots are permitted in 27 states. All a registered voter in those states needs to do is request an absentee ballot. No specific reason, like being out of state, is required.

In order for the amendment to get on this year's election ballot, it had to twice win the approval of a majority of the General Assembly. Legislative Democrats managed to do that in 2013 and 2014 despite GOP opposition.